Keep a watch on your words, dear sisters,
For words are wonderful things.
They are sweet like the bees' fresh honey;
Like the bees they have terrible stings.
They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine,
And brighten a lonely life;
They can cut in the strife of anger,
Like a cruel two-edged knife.
Keep them back if they are cold and cruel,
Under bar, lock and seal;
For the wounds they make, my sisters,
Are always slow to heal.
May peace guard your lips forever
From the time of your early youth.
May the words that you daily utter
Be only the words of love and truth.
